Eileen M. Hayes focuses her practice on health care and insurance regulatory matters. She advises clients on issues related to the New York marketplace, Medicaid, and managed care and insurance regulatory matters. Prior to joining the firm, she spent 20 years with the New York State Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Health Bureau (formerly, the New York Insurance Department). There, she provided legal advice on all aspects of health insurance regulation, internally and to the governor’s office, the Division of the Budget, various state and federal agencies, legislators, insurers, trade groups, consumer groups, and consumers.

Eileen also developed legislation and regulations, and coordinated the DFS’ federal health insurance reform efforts, ranging from early analysis in lobbying to implementation and integration of state and federal health insurance requirements. She advocated at the national level to minimize disruption to state markets and advance equity; drafted state implementing legislation; managed federal grants, bids, consultant contracts and policy studies to support implementation; provided advice and support to the NYS Department of Health (DOH) and its contractors in developing New York's state-based health insurance Marketplace; and provided implementation assistance to insurers, federal agencies and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

While with the DFS, Eileen was responsible for oversight and implementation of numerous market-based health insurance programs, including The New York Bridge Plan, Healthy New York, COBRA program for entertainment workers, TAA federal health care tax credit, and the federal COBRA stimulus program. She also analyzed and provided advice regarding new state laws and bills pending legislative or gubernatorial action. Eileen acted as the liaison to DOH and the Tax Department regarding HCRA and other state taxes impacting insurance.